What made a teacher in a public school decide to go to a private school . . . And what was the reason it took so long?
I had yet to decide to choose private over public school. I may be classified as a casual public school persona. I'm not sure how to describe the event that created this snobbery, but I developed a prejudice against private schools at some point. I saw private school as an option only for the rich or those focused on developing their children's daycare and curriculum vitae from a young age.
Truthfully, I think that some of this prejudice might have to do with my being someone some people consider "crunchy." In college, I was a hairdresser long and the length of my gowns, indulged in organic food before it became a thing, and was a fan of Simon and Garfunkel around 30 years later.
My romantic side was evident. And would like to see the world saved. I became involved in social work and fought for the equality of the people I worked for. My mission considered myself "for the people," and I saw many leaders as "the man." Unknowingly I started to see personal wealth, influence, and opportunities associated with them as morally unjust.
After a couple of protests and missionary excursions after that, I was an educator in public schools and was in that profession for approximately 10 years. Despite being dissatisfied with the public school system many times, I held on to my unfavorable perception of private schools. That is until I found myself working in one.
The year 2014 was the first time I was given an opportunity to be Director of Destiny School of the Arts, a private school focused on academics and arts integration. In the public school system, I was at ease and could do important work; however, I was only going to the point where I was curious about and was somewhat prepared for a change.
I decided to leave my position of comfort and accept the position due to two reasons. First, I had become a mother and wanted my daughter to be exposed to something more whole-child and integrated with arts against state standards and test specifications.
Then, I was given a chance to offer scholarships to students I observed failing and failing in the public school system. This was important to me since I'd witnessed a lot of students who had yet to reach their peers. However, they will surely thrive in smaller classes that have different instruction.
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My first year at this private school was more eye-opening than anticipated. I watched kindergartners read, LITERALLY READING.
It was not because they sat at a desk for hours or the environment was grueling. They enjoyed a school driven by curiosity and innovative thinking rather than by the latest trends in politics and mandates (there's that crunch).
Qualified teachers were admired and empowered to instruct students to think, not just learn. The daily routine of music, dance, and art classes didn't hinder the academics . . . Imagine that! Imagine learning Spanish as a child and being outdoors for a long time helped develop intellectual connections and was never seen as a waste of time and resources.
Knowing the standard of the public schools, I was amazed at what I observed in the new school environment. Advanced and struggling students were simultaneously challenged and praised at their level and were not pushed aside. It was awe-inspiring to see my ideals of education being carried right in front of me.
During my first year, I was forced to confront some previously held beliefs and ideas. I asked myself, "Were private schools only meant for the wealthy? Should I feel ashamed or ashamed of having afforded such an opportunity for my child? Is the idea of opportunity itself inappropriate or unjustifiable?"
After some soul-searching, I concluded that private schools were not by nature bad. (dramatic, I realize). I began to look at people's social and economic status and opportunities in a new light. I began to view them as opportunities and blessings to make a difference.
I didn't switch teams from being a public school snob to and private school snob. However, I am a believer in the power of opportunity. Children who are allowed to receive a comprehensive education are more likely to be tomorrow's leaders.
They will be more likely to get on the top of the ladder, and, in turn, they'll be able to assist others and bring about positive social change. Even if they aren't the leaders of the future, the students of Destiny School of the Arts and other top private schools can have the chance to be well-informed in areas that are connected to self-expression and self-realization. This is the type of education and benefit that aids in the creation of healthy, happy humans.
Private schools have given me the opportunity as a mom and educator to be a better teacher to my own child and many others. This is certainly not something to be embarrassed about. I am now beaming with pride whenever asked where I work and what school my daughter is at.
This is because I am confident that positive things are taking place in this school. The seeds are sprouting physically (in our gardens) and figuratively in the minds and hearts of our students.
In the end, despite my decision to go to private schools and be "the man" myself, I still enjoy Simon and Garfunkel. I openly admit that I've never felt so satisfied as an educator or more satisfied with my decision as a parent . . . The crunch is not the only thing.
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